Let’s be honest — when most people think about video, they think about how it looks. The camera, the lighting, the colours. But here’s the thing – even the most stunning visuals won’t save a video with bad sound.
You can get away with a shaky shot or an imperfect background. What you can’t get away with is muffled voices, wind noise, or background hum. The truth is, people will forgive a slightly rough visual, but they’ll instantly click away from a video they can’t hear properly.
In this post, we’ll break down why sound is such a big deal, what usually goes wrong, the gear and techniques we use to get it right, and how professional audio turns an average video into something that feels cinematic and trustworthy.
Why Audio Can Make or Break Your Video
The human brain is wired to process sound faster than visuals. That’s why bad audio feels uncomfortable — it’s like your brain knows something’s off before you even realise it.
Here’s what good sound does for your video:
- Makes your message clear. If people can’t hear you, they’ll never understand your story.
- Creates emotion. Music, ambience and tone guide how your audience feels.
- Builds trust. Clean, balanced audio instantly feels more professional and credible.
If you’re investing in a video for your business, your brand deserves more than “good enough” sound. It deserves the kind of clarity and polish that makes people stop scrolling and actually listen.
What Goes Wrong When You Cut Corners
When people try to film on their own or use basic gear, it’s usually the audio that gives it away. Here are the most common issues we see:
Wind and Outdoor Noise
You can have the perfect location, but a bit of wind across the mic can ruin the whole thing. It’s almost impossible to fix afterwards.
Echo in Empty Rooms
Recording in a bare office or hall can sound like you’re speaking inside a tin can. Without proper mics or soundproofing, your voice bounces everywhere.
Muffled or Inconsistent Voices
Built-in camera or phone microphones pick up everything, not just the person talking. You’ll often end up with voices that fade in and out or sound like they’re under a blanket.
Background Distractions
Traffic, air conditioning, footsteps, even a buzzing fridge — once you notice them, you can’t unhear them.
Music That Drowns the Message
Music should support your story, not compete with it. The wrong track, or one that’s just too loud, can completely derail your video.
These might seem like small things, but together they make a video feel cheap, even if it looks good visually.
How Professionals Get It Right
When we film, sound is part of the plan from day one, not an afterthought. Here’s how we make sure every word is clear and natural.
Choosing the Right Microphone
Different situations need different mics.
- Lavalier (lapel) microphones are small and discreet, perfect for interviews.
- Boom microphones hang just out of frame and capture natural-sounding voices with depth.
- Shotgun mics are highly directional, ideal for isolating voices in busy or outdoor environments.
Scouting and Soundproofing
Before we roll the camera, we listen. We test for echoes, background noise, or anything that might interfere. Sometimes we’ll bring portable acoustic panels or record during quieter times.
Recording Separately from the Camera
We don’t rely on the camera’s built-in mic. Audio is recorded externally on professional recorders, which means higher quality and safer backups if one channel fails.
Wind and Weather Protection
For outdoor shoots, we always use foam covers or furry “dead cats” to block wind. It might look funny, but it works.
Microphones for Every Budget
Good audio doesn’t always mean spending a fortune — it’s about choosing the right mic for the job. Whether you’re filming on a phone, running a small business shoot, or producing commercial work, there’s solid gear available at every price point. Here are a few tried-and-tested options we use and recommend.
Entry Level (Perfect for Smartphones and Beginners)
These are affordable, simple options for anyone filming with a phone or just starting out.
Rode SmartLav+ – A compact lav mic that plugs straight into your phone’s headphone jack (or via adapter). Ideal for quick vlogs or street interviews.
DJI Mic Mini – A budget-friendly wireless mic with solid range and easy setup. Works great with smartphones and small cameras.
Boya BY-M1 – A popular wired lavalier mic that punches above its price. Long cable, clear audio, and compatible with phones, cameras and recorders.
Mid-Range (For Semi-Pro and Business Use)
Reliable, versatile gear for creators producing regular social media or business content.
DJI Mic 2 – Dual wireless transmitters with 32-bit float recording, great sound, and direct smartphone connectivity via USB-C or Lightning.
RØDE Wireless PRO – Advanced wireless kit with timecode support and onboard recording. A serious upgrade for interviews and corporate shoots.
Sennheiser MKE 400 (2nd Gen) – A compact on-camera shotgun mic that reduces background noise while keeping voices natural and detailed.
High-End (Professional Productions)
These mics are built for commercial video, broadcast, and film — exceptional quality and reliability.
Sennheiser MKH 416 – The classic shotgun mic used in film and TV. Extremely directional, crystal clear, and built to last.
DPA 4060 Lavalier – Industry-standard lav mic known for its rich tone and transparency. Perfect for film, theatre, or interviews where clarity matters.
Sennheiser AVX Wireless Set – Professional wireless system with automatic level control, excellent range, and rock-solid signal stability.
You don’t need the most expensive mic to make great content – but investing in decent audio gear makes a huge difference. It’s not just about volume; it’s about warmth, clarity and that polished, professional feel that keeps people watching.
The Magic of Post-Production Sound
Even with perfect recordings, post-production is where everything really comes together.
- Noise Reduction: We clean up any hums, clicks or static while keeping voices natural.
- Mixing: Dialogue, background audio and music are balanced so every word stands out.
- Music Licensing: We source licensed tracks that fit your brand and tone, instead of using generic stock music.
- Sound Design: Little touches like ambient sound or subtle effects make your video feel immersive and alive.
This stage is often what separates a standard edit from a film that feels professional.
Why Investing in Audio Pays Off
It’s easy to think, “I’ll just use my phone mic, it’ll be fine.” But poor audio doesn’t just sound bad — it makes people trust you less.
Good sound says you care about your message. It says your brand is polished, thoughtful, and worth listening to. And in marketing terms, it directly affects engagement and conversions.
Hiring professionals isn’t about being fancy. It’s about making sure every element — visuals, sound, and storytelling — works together to create something that actually connects with your audience.
Final Thoughts
Video is all about emotion and connection, but that only works when your audience can hear you clearly.
From the moment we plan a shoot, we’re thinking about sound — the microphones, the location, the mixing, everything. That’s how we make sure your brand sounds as good as it looks.
If you’re ready to create video content that actually feels professional — not just looks it — get in touch with our Cardiff video production team. We’ll make sure your story is seen, heard and remembered.